Wednesday, December 7, 2016

WESTie Wednesday with Patrice Skovgaard of PJs Scraps and Paper!Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Patrice and her shop, PJs Scraps and Paper.

"My shop's inspiration came from my recent retirement! I have always been a craft chick and when I no longer had a fulltime job, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to do something I wanted to do. I have a few craft hobbies that I love, so I found I couldn't limit it to just one thing, hence the scraps and paper in my shop. So far I buy my materials wherever I can find sales or from things that have been given to me. I'm now looking for some specific things for my new designs and I've been lucky enough to find a supplier on Etsy that has reasonable prices, so I'll be happy to support that shop in the future! I have taken over two rooms in our tiny house for my cardmaking and sewing. And I don't feel one bit guilty about it! My husband still has his workshop, so I think it has worked out fairly. I also tend to spill over into other areas - the dining room for taking shop photos, and my comfy chair for handwork."

"I sell items made from fabric and paper that are intended to be useful for the buyer or to be used as gifts. I sell greeting cards - photo cards and handmade cards and I sell fabric things such as coasters, hairbands, wine totes, toddler aprons, bags and purses, and quilted Christmas stockings. I hope to branch out into more designs of some of my items once I have a little more time. My demographic is anyone who is looking for practical and pretty things for gifts or to treat themselves. I am always going to try and include some things for kids as well, just because they are so fun to make!"

What makes Patrice feel just-so about having her very own Etsy shop for the world to see? Says Patrice, "I am finally able to fully indulge my creative side and share the things I make with others!"

Want to see more? Be sure to check out PJs Scraps and Paperon social media:

Friday, December 2, 2016

As Winter approaches I feel the need for something tropical, and this is a recipe I received from a friend so many years ago. The handwritten recipe card is faded and stained. That's a good sign in my books.

Chicken Island Style

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 tbsp. oil

1 14 ounce can pineapple

2 tbsp. soya sauce

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

1 cup sliced celery

2 medium tomatoes

1 diced red pepper

1/2 cup coconut

2 large chicken breasts cut into serving portion sizes

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken pieces in the cooking oil in a skillet. Drain pineapple juice into the pan, bring to a boil and add the water, soya sauce and cornstarch. Stir until it thickens, add your vegetables and cook till fork tender. Add pineapple chunks just until heated. I am perfectly happy to eat this without meat. Either way, colourful, tasty and fast to prepare.

Served with rice or rice noodles. This dish keeps well and makes a great lunch at work!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Still have some slots to fill on your holiday gift list? Eight of our WESTies are madly creating more goodies for you--meet them in person at the Under the Mistletoe Market this Sunday, December 4, 2016!

Our eight artisans will be among 80 local vendors at the sale! Stop by to say "hi!" to our our WESTies who will be selling handmade mosaic artisan jewelry; handmade pottery; personalized gifts; handmade leather baby shoes; fun greeting cards and illustrations; funny handmade cards, handprinted towels, onesies and baby bibs; vintage-inspired and vintage jewelry; and beaded and gemstone jewelry. Check out their wonderful items ahead of time using the links below!MosaicPendantsPlusNancy Blokland Pottery

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Hello! Welcome to WEST's last, but not least, installment of our Fall Market 2016 vendor list. Here we will showcase just one of many lovely handcrafted or vintage curated items from your favourite WESTies, who will be oh-so thrilled to see you at 290 Dubuc, just days away! Find our event info here, please RSVP and say hi with a pal or two!

Handmade cosmetic bag featuring a vinyl coated lining with bonded leather accent, to defend against leaks and keeping it wipe-able for easy cleaning.